The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line hasn’t played up to the level that many fans had hoped for. After three high draft picks were used in consecutive years (in addition to a well-paid veteran), this unit was expected to be one of the better overall groups in the NFL.
Through the first five weeks, that hasn’t been the case. The interior has been underwhelming, with Zach Frazier failing to take a major step forward at center. The tackles have been hot and cold, but their overall play has been subpar.
However, at least the Steelers didn’t make a massive $20.5 million a year mistake by re-signing Dan Moore.
While I am a lonely member of the Moore fan club, his transition to Tennessee hasn’t been as smooth as the Titans hoped for. He got paid to be their cornerstone protector, but things haven’t exactly gone his way.
Dan Moore looks like a worse version of his Pittsburgh Steelers self with the Titans
Through the first five games, Moore has been responsible for four sacks, three penalties, and a paltry PFF grade hovering around 60.
On the surface, that isn’t horrible. Compare that to Brodrick Jones, who has also given up four sacks and has a grade in the low fifties. So, on paper, Moore is a marginally better player. When you consider the price tag and just how bad the Titans have been on offense, this looks like a disaster.
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The Titans gave Moore this contract with the hope that he would continue his ascension as a serviceable left tackle. Whenever a free agent lineman is signed, it always comes at a steeper price. Average tackles get paid handsomely on the open market.
Moore’s deal was justified, though, as he was trending up as a player. Through his first five games, though, the return on investment hasn’t been there.
Perhaps the Steelers can let this be a lesson for themselves. Even if you have to end the Jones experiment next season, adding a free agent replacement may not be the best route.
As for the Titans and Moore, the two sides are married to each other for at least the remainder of this season and the next. Moore can get himself back to an average starter, but it seems doubtful that he ever fully earns the massive deal he landed this offseason.
The Steelers tackle situation isn’t pretty right now, and the long-term questions are hard to answer. That said, they should be applauded for letting Moore walk when they did. His play has taken a step back, and it is costing the Titans dearly.